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Film: War 2
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Producer: Aditya Chopra
The Yash Raj Films Spy Universe is a proudly Indian cinematic universe, and attracts cinema lovers globally with each new film. War 2, the follow-up to the 2019 blockbuster War, was released this past week, and it’s time for us to share our thoughts!
Kabir (Hrithik Roshan) returns, and we see him working as a freelance mercenary. When he eventually gets led to an organisation called Kali, everything begins to make sense, and we understand why Kabir had to cross the line of righteousness. With Kabir’s true intentions unknown to R&AW, Vikram (Jr NTR) is sent to nab him, but Vikram comes with a big twist.
We don’t want to give away anymore, so let’s get into the main business. Firstly, while it may not be the consensus, War 2’s story deserves praise. The way it explores the individual characters of Kabir and Vikram, as well as their relationship, is excellent. Not just these two characters, but also the relationship between Kabir and Kavya (Kiara Advani), and Kabir and Colonel Luthra (Ashutosh Rana), was explored beautifully, making us realise there’s way more to an agent than cool stunts and missions.
From start to finish, Hrithik Roshan delivers a praise-worthy performance, and the story allowed him to explore various shades of Kabir. Jr NTR arrives in the YRF Spy Universe with a bang. From his entry to his exit (for now), his performance commands your attention, and within one film, he showcased Vikram aka Raghu’s evolution superbly. Kiara Advani delivered a sincere performance as Kavya, while Ashutosh Rana is, as always, a delight to watch. Anil Kapoor makes a smooth and sophisticated entry into the universe as Vikrant Kaul, and one can only get the best from him, too.
One of the highlights of the film would have to be the chemistry between Hrithik and NTR, and the two hold your attention as we travel through their characters’ past, present, and leave us eager for the future by the end.
Ayan Mukerji’s vision is very clear, and his touch certainly sets this film apart in the universe by making it far more than adrenaline. Not only did he understand the assignment, but he also understood his characters very well and brought that to the audience for a deeper connection. Maybe years from now, people will realise that War 2 could be the HEART of the Spy Universe.
That’s not to say there weren’t the stunts and locations we love. Those were there too in abundance, and while some may have appeared dragged, there were some standouts, like the boat chase and the climax, which took place in an ice cave.
The music is groovy and foot-tapping, with Aavan Jaavan certainly being one of the best songs of the year, and Janaab-e-Aali being the explosive dance-off we expected it to be. A song by Jubin Nautiyal, called Jeete Jeete, comes as quite a surprise in the film, but fits perfectly.
Putting everything into consideration, War 2 is actually a fantastic film. Yes, it’s different, but who said every spy film has to be the same? If anything, you leave the theatre with a deeper respect for all the agents of the universe and can’t help but think about them deeply.
This is a film that should be watched, for its style, action, music, chemistry between the leading men, and the heart that has been put into this universe, which we should definitely be proud of.
